By Alpana Adhikari, Kathmandu, October 9: As the autumn breeze heralds the arrival of Dashain, the tradition of kite flying returns to the skies of Kathmandu. However, the once vibrant tradition of kite flying, a beloved pastime associated with festivals, has been slowly dying out in recent years.
Historically, kite flying during Dashain had deeper cultural significance. According to local legend, kite flying was a way to send a message of gratitude to the gods, especially Indra, the rain god, who brought a good harvest after the monsoon season.
Ten years ago, the skies above the Kathmandu Valley were dotted with colorful kites, and nearby residents engaged in friendly “kite fights.” The flyers competed to cut off each other’s kites, and cheers of “Changa Chait!” erupted. The streets echoed with voices celebrating each victory.
However, today the situation has completely changed. Modernization, a lack of open space, and the pervasive influence of technology have left the once-contested skies relatively empty. Children, often glued to their phones and tablets, are losing touch with the simple outdoor pleasures that once defined the Christmas season.
But some people and businesses are determined to keep this cherished tradition alive and pass it on to younger generations.
People like Santosh Neupane refuse to let tradition disappear. For Neupane, who was spotted picking out kites for children at the athon, it’s more than just a holiday activity, it’s about reliving childhood memories and passing them on to the next generation.
“I remember flying kites for hours during Dashain days. It wasn’t just fun; it was an important part of the festival,” he added.
“We competed with our friends, tried to cut each other’s kites, and shouted ‘Changa chait!’ After cutting off someone else’s kite, it was all part of the excitement,” Neupane said. , laughed as he recalled his childhood memories in Chabahir. “Nowadays, kids are addicted to gadgets. We want them to experience the same joy that we do. But they lack open spaces and outdoor activities. I am interested.”
Saurya Poudel (10) from Kumarigarh, who was busy picking out colorful kites at the same shop, narrated how her father spent his time. He inherited his kite-flying skills and has been practicing for the past two years.
“My friends and I compete to cut each other’s kites, but we can’t chase kites like my father did because there’s no open space in our neighborhood,” he said, adding that urbanization has changed traditions. He emphasized the impact it has had.
Saurya’s mother Durga Poudel also spoke out on the issue. “I have bought over a dozen kites for my son. During Dashain holidays, he is more focused on flying kites than on screens,” she said.
While she is encouraged that more people are flying kites in her neighborhood this year, she nostalgically points out that Kathmandu has lost much of the charm of kite flying that she used to see as a child. For Prakash Shrestha, a 26-year-old from Shovabhagwati, kite flying is a way to reconnect with the past.
While buying a kite and string at a shop in Asong, he recalled his childhood when kite flying was a major part of Dashain celebrations.
“When I was a kid, I used to fly kites like crazy. But over the years, my passion waned due to work pressure, gadgets and lack of open space,” he said. But this year, he decided to start the practice again, hoping to pass on the tradition to his nephews. “It has been three years since I last flew a kite, but this year I am making a comeback,” Prakash added.
Interestingly, his firm, Cedar Gate Nepal, also organizes kite-flying contests among its staff, a trend that seems to reflect a broader revival of the tradition.
Kite sellers in Asong have also noticed this resurgence. Ajay Chitrakar, a vendor at the 75-year-old Shree Chitrakar Store and Kite Center, reports a significant increase in sales this year compared to the previous year.
“Earlier, fewer people were buying kites as children were more interested in tools. But this year is different. More parents are buying kites for their children,” Chitrakar said. spoke.
Although he did not have the exact number of visitors to the store, he noted that business has been non-stop since the Dashain holidays began.
Abi, another kite seller at Abi Kite Center in Asong, who wanted to keep his surname private, shared a similar story.
“We have sold at least 50,000 kites this season. It feels like the tradition is making a comeback, especially among the younger generation,” he said.
This revival is thought to be partly due to the growing awareness of parents to pass on traditions to their children. Many people believe that kite flying provides a break from digital distractions. As the tradition of kite flying during Dashain fades, organizations like Kites Nepal are working to preserve it.
Founded by Bikal Chaulagain, the company promotes cultural practices through kite-making camps and competitions, especially for children.
“The idea behind Nepali kites was to preserve the culture and keep it alive,” he said, adding, “It is essential to pass on these traditions to the younger generation.”
This year, Kites Nepal is planning its annual kite-flying competition between Dasain and Tihar and the event will be held at Kamaradi Skywalk.
The company has been distributing 400 to 500 kites to underprivileged children each year so that even those who can’t afford one can still participate in the tradition.
